What’s happening in France this week

This is the Neuf Lignes Obliques on the Prom in Nice

And this is Villefranche-sur-Mer.

All is well in Villefranche again, the sky is blue and the sun is shining.

As usual on a Monday here’s What’s happening in France this week, the Local France.

France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu faces another busy week in Parliament. (Photo by Alain JOCARD / AFP)

An important big week for the government as it fights to get a budget through — and it’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day on Thursday.

Monday

Budget — After the government decided on Friday afternoon that they needed a weekend break, MPs return to the hemicycle at 9am to continue debating the contentious 2026 Budget. The bill must be presented to the Senate by midnight on Monday, November 23rd, in accordance with constitutional deadlines.

Court — The former lawyer of fasion designer John Galliano appeals against his conviction for embezzlement.

Tuesday 

Court — Eight people including ex-executives from cement maker Lafarge go on trial, accused of paying the Islamic State group and other jihadists protection money to build its business in war-torn Syria.

Consumer — A court in Nanterre will rule on whether Nestlé-owned Perrier brand should be banned temporarily from selling its sparkling water and ordered to stop its “dishonest” description of the water.

Wednesday

Sums — Christie’s auction house in Paris will sell one of nine existing examples of the first calculating machine in history, developed by French mathematician, physicist, inventor, and philosopher Blaise Pascal in 1642. It is expected to fetch millions.

Harassment — All sporting facilities (both public and private) have to display the contact email (signal-sports@sports.gouv.fr) and other information for reporting any kind of violence or harassment, whether that is sexual, physical or psychological in nature. The goal is to encourage victims and witnesses to speak out.

Cinema — Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the smash-hit musical Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariane Grande, goes on general release in France.

Thursday

Wine — Who cares if it’s nothing more than a clever marketing ploy? The third Thursday of November is a celebration for wine lovers, as the year’s Beaujolais Nouveau is released in a party atmosphere from Beaujeu to Lyon via Villefranche-Sur-Saône.

Friday

Jet-set president — President Emmanuel Macron will head to Mauritius on November 21st, before heading to the G20 in Johannesburg on November 22nd. 

It’s Christmas — An early start to the seasonal celebrations in Nancy, as the city’s St Nicholas’ festival kicks off on November 21st.

Sport — Domestic top-flight men’s football and rugby union return after an international break.

Saturday

Rugby — Even though the Top 14 returns this week, the international window remains open. France’s men’s rugby union team face Australia at Stade de France in their third and final November Test, a match that could have a big bearing for both sides, with the draw for Rugby World Cup 2027 on December 3rd.

Winter sports — France’s high-elevation ski resort Val Thorens is scheduled to open for the season on the weekend of November 22nd, subject — obviously — to snow conditions.

Sunday

Budget — Constitutional deadlines decree that the Budget bill must be passed to the Senate by midnight.

Bare chests and bikinis: Do French beach resorts have rules for what to wear?

La Grande Motte. (Photo by Sylvain THOMAS / AFP)

One French seaside resort on the south coast has recently increased fines for anyone who walks the streets bare-chested to €150. But what are the rules for what you can wear when walking around French beach resorts?

France has a reputation for being somewhat laissez-faire when it comes to clothing in public. It certainly has its fair share of topless and nudist beaches. 

But, while both men and women routinely go topless on French beaches, when you’re in the streets, stores, or restaurants in the town it’s a different story.

Suitable dress rules apply in most towns and cities across the country. The mayor of the resort of La Grand-Motte, near Montpellier, has recently increased fines for ‘inappropriate dress’ in the town from €38 to €150 - though local authorities have said they have adopted an 'educate first, fine later' policy.

The decree applies to the town centre apart from beaches and promenades directly next to the shore. It bans bare chests, and people wearing only swimming costumes, bikinis, or swim shorts.

Rules on appropriate clothing while walking the streets of the Mediterranean coastal town have been in place since 2008, but have recently been tightened to persuade holidaymakers back into their clothes when they’re not on the beachfront.

An awareness campaign - with the slogan En ville, je m'habille (In town, I get dressed) - is intended to remind visitors to shirt up in the streets and in restaurants.

What about other parts of France?

It is a good idea to know the rules wherever you happen to be. Bylaws similar to the ones in La Grand-Motte are common in most towns and cities across France.

While there are no national laws in France banning public nudity, there are local and national laws against disturbing public order. Local mayors, too, do - as the one at La Grande-Motte did - add their own local bylaws.

And, even on the beach, it’s not necessarily guaranteed that topless sunbathing for women is acceptable everywhere. Be sure to check signage and local rules before getting undressed.

In the country's capital, Paris, admittedly not a coastal resort, local rules state that people should be dressed in a manner that is “decent and in accordance with good morals and public order”.

Anyone caught wearing inappropriate clothing in the public space faces a €38 fine.

I’m sure this one is staged.